Disruptions On Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge End For Start Of Workweek

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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The upper level of the 59th Street Bridge, after being closed for much of the weekend to make way for shooting of the upcoming movie “The Dark Knight Rises,” has reopened.

Drivers who have to cross the East River were relieved that the bumper to bumper traffic has cleared in time for the morning rush, but some were angry over the weekend disruptions.

“It happens, bridges get closed, I had to detour, but I guess just live with it when you live in New York City,” one driver said.

“You have to prepare for it and start earlier. You have to give yourself at least another 10-15 minutes,” another driver said.

For quite a few, Batman lost his hero status this weekend. Drivers were kept so far away they couldn’t even watch the stars in action from their vantage point. Production trucks and trailers were parked nearby.

“It’s getting outrageous here in New York. All their filming, all this ridiculous filming and we aren’t getting anything for it,” another driver said.

Despite the traffic tie-ups, the city actually does get a return from the entertainment industry. According to the city’s website, productions contribute more than $5 billion to the Big Apple’s economy each year.

Is shooting for movies worth the traffic hassle? Sound off in our comments section below…